Understanding the Ital Diet: 'Vital' Eating
The Rastafarian diet, known as Ital, is a way of life that emphasizes natural living and reverence for the earth. The word "Ital" is derived from the English word "vital" and signifies the belief that a pure body is essential for a pure spirit. Adherents strive to eat only what is wholesome, fresh, and grown naturally from the earth, avoiding anything that is considered dead, unnatural, or chemically altered. This spiritual commitment influences a wide range of food choices, from the specific items on their plate to the way those items are prepared.
The Core Principles of Ital
The Ital diet is more than just a list of prohibitions; it is a holistic approach to nutrition guided by several key tenets:
- Body as a Temple: The belief that the body is a holy vessel, or 'temple of the Most High', which must be kept clean and pure.
- Natural Livity: A commitment to living in harmony with nature, which includes consuming foods that are as close to their natural state as possible.
- Rejection of 'Babylon': Abstaining from foods associated with the oppressive societal system, or 'Babylon', which often includes processed, mass-produced items.
- Vibrational Energy: The idea that food carries energy, and consuming dead flesh or unnatural substances lowers one's spiritual vibration.
Specific Foods Forbidden in the Rastafarian Diet
The restrictions of the Ital diet are comprehensive, and while some variations exist among Rastafarians, several food groups are consistently forbidden or heavily restricted.
Animal Products
For the majority of Rastafarians, especially the most observant, all animal flesh is forbidden. This goes beyond just red meat, extending to poultry and, for some, even fish. The rationale is that consuming 'dead flesh' is contrary to the principle of life (livity). The consumption of dairy products and eggs is also avoided by stricter adherents, who follow a vegan lifestyle.
The Prohibition of Pork and Shellfish
Two specific types of meat are strictly forbidden across nearly all interpretations of the Ital diet: pork and shellfish. These prohibitions are often rooted in interpretations of the Old Testament dietary laws, similar to those found in Judaism. Pork is considered an unclean meat, and shellfish are seen as 'scavengers of the sea,' making them impure for consumption.
Processed and Refined Foods
A central tenet of Ital is the rejection of modern, processed foods. This includes:
- Canned goods
- Foods with artificial additives, preservatives, or colorings
- Refined white sugar and flour
- Rock salt, with some opting for sea salt instead
Beverages
Not all liquids are considered 'vital.' The following are generally off-limits:
- Alcohol: Believed to cloud the mind and consciousness.
- Coffee and Tea: Many avoid these beverages due to their processed nature or stimulating effects.
- Soda and other carbonated drinks: These are chemically altered and lack natural nutritional value.
The Ital Exception: Fish with Limitations
While most meat is forbidden, some Rastafarians do consume fish, but with significant restrictions. The fish must be no more than 12 inches long, and scaleless fish are forbidden. The restriction on larger fish is sometimes symbolic, representing a rejection of the powerful 'Babylonian' systems that feed on others.
Comparison of Ital and Common Dietary Restrictions
| Dietary Aspect | Ital Diet (Rastafari) | Vegan Diet | Jewish Kosher Diet | Standard Western Diet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meat/Poultry | Forbidden | Forbidden | Specific animals only, ritually slaughtered | Generally unrestricted |
| Pork | Strictly Forbidden | Forbidden | Strictly Forbidden | Generally unrestricted |
| Shellfish | Strictly Forbidden | Forbidden | Strictly Forbidden | Generally unrestricted |
| Dairy | Often avoided | Forbidden | Not mixed with meat | Generally unrestricted |
| Processed Foods | Strictly Forbidden | Accepted if plant-based | Accepted if kosher | Commonplace |
| Salt | Refined salt avoided | Accepted | Accepted | Commonplace |
| Alcohol | Avoided/Forbidden | Accepted | Accepted | Commonplace |
Variances Within the Rastafarian Community
It is important to recognize that not all Rastafarians follow the Ital diet with the same level of strictness. The interpretation and adherence to Ital 'livity' can vary based on individual belief and livity. While the principles are foundational, some may be less strict than others, particularly on issues like fish size or the use of salt. However, the core rejection of pork, shellfish, and processed foods remains a near-universal tenet.
Conclusion
Understanding which food is forbidden for Rastafarians reveals a spiritual and cultural commitment to health and purity. The Ital diet emphasizes a deep connection to the earth and a rejection of systems and substances seen as unnatural or corrupting. By avoiding pork, shellfish, meat, processed foods, and other un-'vital' items, Rastafarians seek to maintain the integrity of their bodies as sacred temples, aligning their physical well-being with their spiritual convictions. This dedication to natural living is a defining characteristic of the Rastafari movement.
For more information on the specific principles and history of the Ital diet, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on Ital.
